Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment. (560 x 365mm – 22 x 14 3/8’’)
The manuscript text and music (six lines of music on a red five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand dark brown ink nearly 500 years ago!!!
Spain, c. 1525 – this leaf is from the Winter Volume (pars hiemalis) which comprised the Offices of Advent, Christmastide and Epiphany.
One illuminated initial in blue with red interior and exterior penwork; three exceptional knot work (cadel) initials in dark brown ink heightened with yellow – one with bird landing on the side of the initial!
This leaf continues prayers for Post Epiphany. The illuminated “E” begins: “Et omnis…” (And of all his meekness). The knot-work “E” begins part of Psalm 132 (King James 133) 1: “Ecce quam…” (Behold how good and how pleasing it is).
The knot-work “O” has a bird landing on the side of the initial and begins Psalm 134 (KJ 135) 6: “Omnia…” (Whatsoever the Lord pleased he hath done).
The knot-work “Q” begins part of Psalm 135 (KJ 136) 1: “Quoniam in…” (For his mercy endureth forever).
As is usual with Medieval and Renaissance parchment, the hair side of the leaf is darker than the flesh side, but may take ink somewhat better. The differences in tone caused scribes to arrange their quires so that the hair side of one sheet faced the hair side of the next, and the flesh side faced the flesh side. This leaf is in nice condition for its age, showing the customary signs of use. There is some staining in the lower margin.
Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of the Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers and compline.
Shipped unmatted
